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Trafalgar Tours Britain and Ireland Grandeur Summer 2017

20 days in UK & Ireland

Go behind the scenes on a grand exploration of Britain and Ireland - one that will see you circle islands, scale highlands and cross the seas.

No corner of the British Isles will remain unexplored, from London and Liverpool to Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast with a visit to Giant's Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the ever-elusive 'Nessie' all in between.

Book by 15 Dec 2016 and receive early payment discount. Pay only $5,243 for this departure

Please note: while prices are accurate at time of loading they are subject to change due to currency fluctuations and currency surcharges may apply.Please check price at time of booking

Itinerary

Day 1 - London – Stonehenge – Salisbury – Plymouth (2 Nights)

Leaving the sights of London behind, travel to rural Wiltshire and visit the mystical ancient monoliths at Stonehenge. Visit Salisbury Cathedral and see the Magna Carta which was signed in 1215 by King John and the barons of Medieval England. Visit Salisbury before getting to know your companions at a Welcome Reception, which includes a typical British pub meal and drinks. Later arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth.Welcome Reception

Day 2 - Cornish Excursion

Your orientation of Plymouth includes the Mayflower Steps and see the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Cross the River Tamar and follow the Cornish peninsula to St. Ives, the renowned artists' colony. Photograph St. Michael's Mount near Penzance. Relax and enjoy the stunning Cornish scenery.Full Breakfast

Day 3 - Plymouth – Bath – Cardiff

On arrival in the city of Bath, admire the Georgian buildings and visit the Roman Baths after which the city is named. Spend some time exploring the city before making your way to the Welsh capital, Cardiff.Full Breakfast

Day 4 - Cardiff – Waterford

See the sights of Cardiff including the Millennium Centre and the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay. View historic Cardiff Castle and see the Millennium Stadium. Enjoy the scenic drive through Pembrokeshire and cross the Irish Sea to Rosslare. Dine tonight at your hotel in Waterford.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Waterford – Blarney – Kenmare (2 Nights)

Visit the renowned House of Waterford Crystal for a Cultural Insight demonstration. Watch the master craftsmen at work during your tour of the workshop. At Blarney Castle, kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Cross the Kerry Mountains to Kenmare, your home for the next two nights. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Ring of Kerry Excursion

Today we experience Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical and varied places in the whole of Ireland and is truly a photographer's delight. We will also see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words.Full Breakfast

Day 7 - Kenmare – Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway

Drive through Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, en route to Limerick on the banks of the River Shannon. View King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Arrive later in Galway where you dine at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Galway – Donegal

This morning enjoy views of Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square. Later stop in Drumcliffe to see the grave of W.B. Yeats. See the fishing village of Mullaghmore, where Lord Mountbatten once lived. Then travel to Donegal to see the 15th century castle and enjoy free time before dinner at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Cross the border to Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Walk along the 17th century city walls with your Local Specialist and see the street murals of the Bogside. Visit the Giant's Causeway a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic natural wonders in all of Ireland. On arrival in Belfast enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the Titanic Quarter or shop in the bustling city centre.Full Breakfast

Day 10 - Belfast – Dublin (2 Nights)

This morning meet your Local Specialist ‘Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of the city in their Black Cab. Later, head south to Dublin where you will see Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian squares with your Local Specialist. Tonight, perhaps consider an Optional Experience at an Irish Cabaret.Full Breakfast

Day 11 - Dublin Sightseeing

This morning explore the Guinness Brewery with entry before general admission and take a tour including a tasting technique demonstration. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Why not explore Grafton Street famous for its street performers or consider joining an Optional Experience to the monastic site at Glendalough.Full Breakfast

Day 12 - Dublin – Chester – Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to Chester. Your orientation walk here includes the Roman walls and the famous Tudor 'Rows'. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the life of the local Town Crier - an esteemed position which dates back to medieval times. Arrive later in historic Liverpool, hometown of the legendary Beatles.Full Breakfast

Day 13 - Liverpool – Quarry Bank Mill – Lake District

After a leisurely start, visit Quarry Bank Mill, a National Trust property that brings to life how communities lived together during the Industrial Revolution. Manchester and the surrounding area was involved with textile manufacturing during this period and today's visit will give you a Cultural Insight into life during this important time in British history. Later make your way north to the idyllic Lake District. Travel along the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere. View the grave of William Wordsworth, buried in the village of Grasmere. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 - Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow

Cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would make their vows over the anvil. This afternoon, your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. This evening join your companions for a Regional Meal at a local restaurant.Full Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 15 - Glasgow – Glencoe – Isle of Skye

Travel along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond towards the site of the 1692 massacre at Glencoe - 'Glen of the Weeping'. Pass through Fort William and see Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. View Eilean Donan Castle before crossing onto the Isle of Skye. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 - Isle of Skye – Loch Ness – Culloden – Scottish Highlands

Enjoy a scenic drive back to the mainland via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the elusive monster. View the site of the Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's army was defeated in 1746. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Head south, we stop in the picturesque village of Pitlochry before heading to the historic town of St. Andrews, the home of golf. Cross the Firth of Forth to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights.Full Breakfast

Day 18 - Edinburgh Sightseeing

This morning your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city. See the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the new Scottish Parliament building. Tonight why not enjoy an optional night out including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare? During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo are included.Full Breakfast

Day 19 - Edinburgh – Alnwick – York

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick. See the impressive castle and the Tenantry Column, topped by the Percy Lion. Marvel at the magnificent scenery en route to York where your walking orientation includes the Shambles and the awe-inspiring Minster. This evening enjoy a Be My Guest Farewell Dinner at a grand private home of a Yorkshire family with your fellow travellers.Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 20 - York – Stratford-upon-Avon – London

View Anne Hathaway's picturesque thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Spend some time exploring the town before heading back to London this afternoon, where your amazing holiday comes to an end.Full Breakfast

Offer subject to availability at time of booking. Prices are per person share twin based on best available tour price, inclusive of all discounts unless otherwise stated. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and are based on cash or cheque. Tour deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions may apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry.